Starling Marte's return to Mets poised to create rightfield questions
Starling Marte of the Mets looks on against the Yankees at Citi Field on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Credit: Jim McIsaac
SEATTLE — Starling Marte’s looming return to the Mets, which is expected during this homestand, perhaps as soon as this weekend, will create new and interesting questions for team decision-makers.
Specifically, what is right in right?
Marte was the regular rightfielder when healthy. During the past month and a half, while he has sat out because of a right knee bone bruise, the Mets have acquired corner outfielder Jesse Winker and often played Tyrone Taylor, who has shown his value, especially defensively.
That could make for a crowded outfield depth chart.
“I guess I’ll worry about that when we get there,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We still got days to go before I have to make those decisions. It usually plays itself out. We’re just excited to get him back here.”
One option: Play Winker against righthanded pitchers (which is what he’s been doing) and Marte against lefthanders (against whom he has fared very well this year). Neither guy has been particularly effective against those who throw with the other arm.
Then the Mets could mix in Taylor as a late-inning defensive replacement and fill-in starter. Taylor is a major defensive upgrade over both would-be platoon-mates.
“It’s kind of been part of my career,” Winker said of platooning. “When it’s my turn, I’ll be ready for that. They’re really good here at communicating the pocket for you to come in or the matchup. That’s definitely helped, so you can fire up and be ready for your opportunity.”
The more awkward dynamic might be with Marte, who is not used to being benched.
“There will be some tough decisions, obviously,” Mendoza said, speaking generally about the pending rightfield situation. “Some conversations that I need to have.”
Marte went 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a walk Sunday with Double-A Binghamton, his first rehab game in the upper minors.
Marte played six innings in rightfield. Mendoza said the Mets want him to play back-to-back days of at least seven innings before activating him from the injured list. So Marte has some boxes to check yet.
Getting Marte back would be “huge,” Mendoza said. “He’s a big part of this team. He’s been out for a long time. Guys I feel like are stepping up. But he’s going to be a huge addition for us. His bat his speed, everything.”
Vientos scratched
Mark Vientos was a late scratch from the lineup because of a sore left ankle that he said has bothered him since late last month. He didn’t anticipate needing tests or much rest. Mendoza characterized Vientos as day-to-day.
Nimmo’s self-critique
Brandon Nimmo entered Sunday batting .158 with a .483 OPS since the All-Star break, but it’s not for a lack of effort or caring.
After the Mets’ loss Friday, Nimmo stuck around the hitting cage well beyond the final out, trying to “feel something” click, he said. And he roasted himself over those struggles after the Mets lost again Saturday.
“Terrible. It’s no question that I’ve been doing really poorly since the All-Star break,” he said. “I expect more of myself. I’m working at it every day. It’s just not good enough.
“I’m one of the leaders on this team. I’m supposed to come through. I’m supposed to do better. And I’m not. So I’m going to try to do everything I can in my power to get better and finish strong. But it’s not good.”
Mendoza said he spoke late Saturday night with Nimmo, who is “going through it.”
“He’s feeling it because we haven’t been able to score,” Mendoza said.
“He feels like ‘I got to help.’ That’s who he is. He cares so much about this team, he wants it so bad. At the end of the day, he just has to be himself.”
Special guests
Tom Seaver’s daughter Sarah and her three sons attended the Mets-Mariners finale, taking in batting practice on the field and chatting with Mendoza and former Mets pitcher David Cone (who was calling the game for ESPN). They live in the Seattle area.
Tim Healey is the Mets beat writer for Newsday. Born on Long Island and raised in Connecticut, Tim has previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Boston Globe and MLB.com. He is also the author of “Hometown Hardball,” a book about minor league baseball in the northeast.
